BERLIN (AP) — French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron pledged strong commitment to European unity and said that France needs to restore its economic credibility as he presented his plans to German leaders on Thursday.

While cautious about drawing parallels with France, Macron said the outcome shows that “you can defeat the extremes.”

The former economy minister, who has no party, is favored to be one of the top finishers in the first round of France’s presidential election and to face far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen in a May 7 runoff.

Macron insisted “the European agenda” must be part of domestic political debate, and that “Europe is what protects us today against new risks.”

French presidential election candidate for the En Marche! movement Emmanuel Macron speaks to journalists after a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the Chancellery in Berlin on March 16, 2017. (JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty)

Macron also endorsed efforts to increase investment in the 19-country eurozone. Germany and France are leading members, although France has increasingly trailed Germany as an economic power in recent years.

Merkel has often been accused of focusing too much on austerity in Europe, including to some extent by Gabriel’s Social Democrats — her traditional rivals but current coalition partners.

Gabriel said that Macron appears to be “the only presidential candidate in France who is on a clear and unequivocal course for Europe.”

The candidate called for a “new Franco-German deal” that would involve “much more structured cooperation” on investment, on European border security, and on defense issues — in particular in the Middle East and Africa.”

He said that would allow the whole European Union to advance.

“I am not at all naive — I think you can win an election today by defending Europe,” he said.